You probably had a gym class in middle school or high school, but did you have a class that helped you with your mental health #worldmentalhealthday? Probs not. Yet, all health is important. That’s why today, on World Mental Health Day, I’m sharing a blog about some tips on improving your mental health. This blog definitely does not cover all aspects because mental health is very complex, but it’s a start (reference the bottom of this article for more information).
Know the resources available to you.
- Does your insurance cover seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist?
- Do you go to a school that has mental health services?
- Remember: Talking to someone is vital. Never hold your emotions or feelings or thoughts in because they can become destructive. Humans are meant to be social creatures; however, if you don’t feel comfortable telling someone you know, try telling someone who is a paid professional.
- Going to see a professional should never be something you are ashamed of- in fact I think it is something everyone should do
Get off the grid.
- Social media is pretty toxic
- Devote only a specific amount of time to social media. As soon as you feel the platform is bringing you more negativity than it is bringing you happiness, CUT IT OUT!
- The new iOS update on iPhones (yes some of us update our phones regularly) allows you to set a certain amount of screen time for certain apps. As soon as you’ve been on a restricted app for too long, it will not allow you to use the app anymore (well technically it will, but it will remind you of the time restrictions you set)
Start a journal.
- Write what makes you grateful. Write what makes you happy. Write anything and everything.
- Writing is the first step in organizing your thoughts. Writing is oftentimes a great outlet, so do not be afraid to express yourself through words.
Incorporate healthy eating and exercising.
- You really are what you eat, and if you don’t feel well because you aren’t eating well then you can’t expect your mental health to be perfect either
- Exercising is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Exercising is also good for your body (as long as it is done correctly)
- Check out this link for 10 Healthy Dinners for About $10: (https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy/photos/10-healthy-dinners-for-about-10)
- Here are some fun exercises to try out (it may be from Women’s Health, but anyone can use it): https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19983775/fun-exercises/
Cut off toxic relationships and activities.
- If someone doesn’t bring you peace, then cut them out
- You are so influenced by the people you surround yourself with. If those people are constantly putting you down or making you feel a ~not~ good way, then they don’t deserve to be in your life
- Also stop doing things that you know make you upset. If checking up on your ex’s social media is going to make you sad, don’t do it. Block them from your social media immediately
- The more negativity you allow into your life, the more negativity will take over your mind. Stop it before it’s too late.
Go outside.
- Being stuck between four walls all day won’t help your mental health at all
- Get some fresh air, pet some dogs, go for a run
Find an activity you truly enjoy.
- When I don’t feel well, I listen to certain songs on my phone, and they bring me back to what truly matters in my life
- Find that one thing that grounds you and makes you feel better
- Some ideas: crafting, baking, coloring in a coloring book, watching cooking videos online, painting, solving puzzles, watching sports, hanging out with some close friends, watching your favorite TV show, going to yoga, running in a park, spending time at an animal shelter, singing karaoke on a Friday night . . . the possibilities are endless
Meditate.
- There are two great apps out there perfect for meditation- Calm and Headspace
- Find your own way to meditate because what may be helpful to one person may not be helpful to you
- Take a second each day to look around you and clear your mind. You have the potential to do so many things. Smile. Love. Feel. That’s pretty amazing 🙂
*This blog is not meant to be a replacement for any sort of mental health education or therapy session. It is not meant to take the place of any mental health professional. If you feel you need help, reference the sources below for more information*
- National Alliance on Mental Health: https://www.nami.org/#
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
- National Mental Health Organizations: https://www.aha.org/2011-02-07-national-mental-health-organizations
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: http://www.anad.org/
- National Eating Disorders Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
- American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/